Effect of physical activity on depression symptoms in patients with IgA nephropathy

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to assess the effects of physical activity (PA) on depression symptoms in patients with IgA nephropathy (IgAN). METHODS: We developed a 6-month personalized PA training program for patients with IgAN. At the beginning and after completion of the training intervention, patients’ cardiopulmonary function was assessed via a spiroergometric study. Prior to the start of and after the intervention, we administered the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II), Eysenck Personality Questionnaire (EPQ), Quality of Life Index (QLI), Life Satisfaction Index, and Short Form-36 (SF-36) to all participants. Scores of the QLI were used as the dependent variable. RESULTS: A total of 216 patients were included in our analysis. After completing the PA training program, cardiopulmonary function and depressive symptoms were significantly improved in patients with IgAN, as compared with baseline values. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that regular PA; extended hemodialysis interval; decreased scores of the BDI-II, EPQ, and SF-36 Mental Component Scale; and increased SF-36 Physical Component Scale scores were independently associated with improved QLI. CONCLUSIONS: Regular PA may improve cardiopulmonary function, depression symptoms, and health-related quality of life in patients with IgAN.